Each year, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness designate the week prior to Thanksgiving as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The week was designed to educate the public and draw attention to the issue while reminding us that, as the holidays approach, we have the opportunity to donate time, attention, and resources to those that need it. Kellogg Family Foundation advocates for our community to share compassion with their homeless neighbors and work towards a world without hunger or homelessness.

Wondering how you can get involved? The National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness encourages others to participate through volunteering, donating, or educating.

Volunteer

Donating time to your local food bank or shelter could make all the difference in your community. Food banks collect and distribute tons of meals throughout communities each year. Shelters give individuals fighting homelessness a safe, temporary place to stay. You can find your local food bank through Feeding America or FoodPantries.org. The Homeless Shelter Directory provides a complete list of shelters within your area.

Donate

If you can’t volunteer time, you can easily support this cause by donating food, clothing, or money to your local food bank and shelters. Giving resources to a soup kitchen, underfunded homeless shelter, or donating non-perishable food items to your local food bank are small but helpful actions to support hunger and homelessness.

Educate

Not everyone has extra time or money to donate, but you can still help! Spreading awareness of hunger and homelessness problems in America is just as effective. Educating people within your community and taking the time to learn about the issues and how you can speak out will help others become aware of the problem. If you have a good understanding of hunger and homelessness, you can change the conversation surrounding stereotypes, help improve local policy, and help service providers who work to make our country a little better.

The Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week’s website has more information about the issues and how you can help fight homelessness and hunger in your community.